At first glance, the weekender bag looks like a duffle bag, but it’s not. The duffle bag was originally designed to transport military equipment or first aid supplies. When soldiers were transported back from war, they often found that their duffle bags had become fashionable overnight, giving birth to the weekender. Therefore the origin of this weekend travel bag is military and has more recently developed into a ‘beach’ carryall for those with money to burn. However, the purpose of carrying everything you need for a couple of days away on the weekend has always remained the same. No matter what you want to call it, you can have some serious fun unearthing their history and also check out this ultimate guide!
The History of the Weekender, Overnight & Duffle Bags
The history of the weekender is as old as a backpack making itself. Back in the day, leather bags were common because they were the cheapest. However, more expensive leather was harder to tan properly and became brittle after a few years of heavy use. The solution was to start using plastic bags instead. Back then, it was just cheap bags being made by companies like Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. More importantly, though, plastic was still a cost-effective option for mass production. Today you can get a decent quality plastic weekender for around $200.
Why Are There Multiple Names for a Duffle Bag?
What began as a single term to designate this bag style has evolved into several distinct names for much the same bag. What is the reason behind this? Is there a difference between a weekender bag and an overnight bag? Is there a difference between a duffel bag and both of these? Because of a few differences from the original duffel bag, the extra names for basically the same bag arose.
What comes to mind when you think of a duffel bag is a tubular cotton bag with straps. Whenever a bag has these characteristics, it is simple to recognize it as a duffle bag. But what if there are additional accessories and various materials to work with? When a bag’s design deviates from the classic duffle style in any manner, it’s helpful to characterize it in several ways.
The Weekender Bag is a term that has been coined to describe a duffel bag that is intended for use on short travels, such as a weekend break. Weekender bags may be considered adaptable pieces of baggage in addition to having a room (as duffle bags also give). The functional design includes not just handles but also a shoulder strap. When traveling, you may take it with you as a carry-on, take it by the handles, and walk out of the terminal. Whenever you need both hands free to complete other duties, you may easily toss it over your shoulder. Aside from these basic components, there is a wide range of style, color, and material options. Leather, canvas, and synthetic fibers are the most common materials utilized. The natural fabrics used in duffle bags, as well as weekender bags, add to their appeal. The synthetic polyester lining on the inside serves a utilitarian function as well. It protects all of the bag’s contents from being disturbed by the bag’s rougher cotton canvas. It also helps in keeping the inside of the vehicle clean.
The Overnight Bag is a bag that is excellent for bringing on an overnight excursion, as the name indicates. This implies it may be somewhat smaller than a weekender bag, but it will still hold all of your essentials if you plan on staying the night there. You may utilize an overnight bag for more than simply one-night stays. You may even take it to the gymnasium and the workplace with you. Its mid-sized makes it ideal for taking your daily items, whether you’re going for work, pleasure, or exercise. Given their soft covering, duffle bags are excellent carry-on and traveling bags since they can be crushed down to match certain airline luggage constraints. Its tough and sturdy shell allows it to withstand being tossed about if required. These bags are spacious enough that there always seems to be enough for a few extra items you may wish to carry with you or return home. The duffle bag’s versatility and timeless appearance have helped solidify it as baggage which is as fashionable as it ever was, for both daily usage and short vacations. It’s simple to transport, lightweight, and durable.
Overnight bags, Duffle bags, and Weekend bags and have similar features.
A few crucial characteristics define whether a bag is an Overnight, duffle, or weekend bag. You’ll find them on every duffle bag variety, and if you don’t, it’s not a real duffle bag. The following are the main traits to keep an eye out for:
Long-lasting materials
The material that a decent duffle bag is composed of is the most noticeable and crucial attribute. The material used in a weekender bag must be robust and able to tolerate rough handling. Canvas and leather are the two most prevalent high-quality materials. The canvas is usually waxed to preserve the inside of the bag from dampness from the outside. Canvas is a very tough cloth, so Sailors originally used it to manufacture these bags for mariners and the military. Leather makes excellent straps and fasteners, so both are ideal to be used in a duffel bag.
Stitching that is strong.
Weekender duffle bags include robust stitching to keep with the notion of toughness and endurance. The stitching is of such high quality that it will prevent the bag from tearing even under intensive usage. The embroidery designs are done so that they will remain in place no matter which way you tug on the bag. Seams that are properly sewn might distinguish between a bag that holds up to your demands and one that doesn’t. The more you wish to stuff the bag, the more crucial it is to have robust stitching. In the regions where the load-bearing weight will exert the greatest strain, a high-quality duffle bag will still have seams sewn from the inside.
The zipper is double stitched.
The zipper on a decent weekender bag should be quite sturdy. You like being able to load your duffel bag without it bursting apart completely. The larger the zipper, the more durable it is and the more probable it will remain closed. A long-lasting and well-made zipper will be built directly into the bag’s seams. You will profit from this since there will be less chance of fraying. While a decent zipper can last for years, even the greatest zippers will be tested if you over-stuff your luggage regularly. Shoulder Straps that are Durable As you can see, this bag has a lot of excellent characteristics. When it comes to the straps, this is also true. The straps must be robust enough to support the contents of the duffle bag, which are very heavy. They must make transporting the bag as simple and straightforward as feasible. This strap makes it easier to sling the bag across your shoulder. If you want to handle your weekender bag by hand, the bag should have robust handles. Practically every duffel, overnight, and weekender bag has both handles and a strap. However, the strap is usually detachable, so you can put it away if you don’t plan on carrying it that way.
Interior with plenty of space and clean lines
A big inside with a liner between your stuff and the bag’s rough material is a fundamental aspect of a fantastic duffle bag. This inside should be soft and complement the bag’s overall attractiveness and refinement. The bag’s inside should be large enough to store all of your gear, supplies, and accessories for the day, weekend, or overnight trip. If you want to order, you may use a packing cube to divide your stuff. This bag’s soft covering enables it to be compressed for airline trips and other situations when it must fit into certain dimensions.
Pockets on both the inside and outside
These bags should also include a few pockets for fast access goods like your phone. Having compartments of varied sizes allows you to put away conveniently accessible equipment. They should be on both the inside and outside of the bag. You should not keep smaller accessories in the main storage box since this might make them harder to find. When you need to access anything, such as your phone or a travel ticket, these pockets will save you time and stress.
Quality and craftsmanship demand a higher price.
The price of overnight bags, duffle bags, and Weekend bags will be greater than the ordinary mass-produced bag due to the high quality of the components utilized. The basic rule is that the lower the price of a bag, the poorer the quality. While it may seem sturdy and strong at first, after taking it through its paces, you’ll find that a stitch or two begins to tear, or the zipper becomes stuck. You’ll have to spend a bit more money on high-quality bags. This does not imply that it must be an extravagant sum just because the bag has the name of a well-known brand.
What is the best way to carry a duffel bag?
The travel duffle bag is an excellent companion for both last-minute getaways and everyday excursions. One of the most appealing features of duffel bags is that they frequently come with a removable strap that allows you to wear it over your shoulders and around your neck. As a result, there is a more uniform weight distribution, which increases comfort. The strengthened handles allow you to carry your luggage by yourself if it is not overburdened. In terms of organization, the duffle bag provides a huge primary storage area. You may either keep your possessions on the go or invest in storage cubes, which are typically affordable but quite useful for organizing your trips.
Is it possible to travel with a duffel bag as carry-on luggage?
The travel bag, which we see in many movies and TV shows, is a must-have at airports and a perfect carry-on backpack (along with a more traditional leather backpack) for all sorts of journeys due to its varied shapes and uses. As long as it meets the airline’s specifications, we suggest this item as a carry-on bag since it is useful, light, and simple to reach. You can conveniently keep your computer, personal goods, and travel papers in it, giving you peace of mind when traveling. When it comes to limits, they differ substantially from one airline to the next. Therefore we recommend that you verify their regulations before flying. The most popular dimensions for typical airlines are 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and 55cm x 40cm x 20cm for low-cost flights. Because of these limitations, your suitcase will easily fit into the storage above the seats. Don’t worry if your luggage is larger than a few millimeters; they are typically flexible and can therefore tolerate a brief fold for the length of a journey. Wheels are available on certain duffel bags. We do not advocate this option since it makes your travel duffle bag bulkier, and certain airlines have weight limitations for carry-on luggage, in addition to lowering your comfort. Even while few businesses (particularly the big ones) check the weight of your cabin luggage (given it is not clearly overweight), low-cost airlines may ask you to place your cabin luggage in the hold if it exceeds a particular weight limit for security concerns.
What is the best way to pack a duffel bag?
When it comes to packing for a vacation, it is common to have a headache. The sling bag is an excellent friend in this endeavor. To maintain it in form and prevent destroying the fabrics, try to load it with either two cushions while it’s empty. To speed up the procedure, place the travel bag on your mattress or kitchen table with the items you wish to take with you once it’s empty. Always begin with the heavier objects first, such as your shoes. After that, you may put on your slacks and shirts. It’s best if they’re rolled up. In a duffel bag, you never compress your things to save room since the bag is normally spherical. To optimize the space supplied by your travel bag, stack your possessions in the line of the bag, not perpendicularly. Then, on top of that, wrap up a couple of T-shirts. Choose T-shirts that are basic and consistently colored and that you may wear in a variety of scenarios. If you want to keep in shape while on vacation, you might include sports equipment. Finally, don’t forget about underwear and socks; they are critical absences. You can fit an iPad, a few novels, and your toilet bag on the sides. Finally, place your travel papers and personal items in the zip compartments on top. It’s OK; you’re set to go off for the weekend with all you need.
Conclusion: Invest in a high-quality duffle bag!
The duffel bag has progressed and grown from its surprising origins as something constructed from the scraps of shipbuilding materials while staying true to its origins with canvas and a somber appearance. Some characteristics distinguish this sort of bag as a classic and enduring classic. This is luggage that people all around the globe admire for its raw elegance and utility. A duffel bag is a terrific alternative for a stylish appearance while carrying your possessions daily or for a weekend getaway.
Meet Craig, the leather guru behind a store and blog that helps you find the best leather products. When he’s not curating lists of top-tier leather items, he’s hiking Table Mountain or walking his dog. Trust his picks, and you’ll never feel leather regret.